£2 million has been raised in the bid to get the iconic ship back on the water for next year

The drive to ensure an historic paddle steamer returns to the water is on course.

An appeal was launched earlier this year to raise funds to help restore the Waverley, a 70-year old ship which needs urgent repairs.

Those seeking to ensure the vessel returns for the Year of Coasts and Waters next year announced the ship’s restoration appeal has hit the milestone of £2 million.

It is estimated that a total of £2.3 million is needed to carry out the work, with the appeal launched only a few months ago.

A message on the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society website (PSPS) read: "The running total for Waverley's Boiler Refit Appeal has now passed the £2m milestone thanks to the continued generosity of PSPS members and many other individuals.

"Since the appeal was officially launched in June donations have been received from over 7,500 individuals.

"Along with £1 million of support from the Scottish Government several trusts and foundations have also contributed to take the total raised so far to within £300,000 of the £2.3 million target.

"A fantastic result in just a few months."

Named after Sir Walter Scott's debut novel, The Waverley was built just in 1947 as a replacement for a vessel sunk during the Dunkirk evacuation.

In 1975, at the end of its working life, it was bought for £1 by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and has carried more than five million passengers on day trips around the west of Scotland.